Born on August 25, 1970, Emir Fethi Caner grew up in the Columbus, Ohio, area in a Sunni Muslim family, the son of an Islamic leader. As a young teenager, he came to faith in Jesus Christ at a revival service at the Stelzer Road Baptist Church.

Caner (Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington) is currently dean of The College at Southwestern (Southwestern Seminary) as well as professor of history and director of the Center for Free Church Studies. An award-winning and best-selling author, he speaks regularly on apologetics, world religions, and theology around the world and on such media outlets as NPR, PAX, and Billy Graham’s Decision Today radio program. His past experience includes pastoring, overseas missions, and church planting.